However, the system cannot check for errors if you cannot access the disk. So, the error is displayed on the command prompt when the disk refuses access.
Causes of “CHKDSK Cannot Open Volume for Direct Access” Error
How to Fix “CHKDSK Cannot Open Volume for Direct Access” Error?
This error can pop up while checking any of the connected drives/disks, including external flash drives. You can try to restart your computer so that any background processes preventing the CHKDSK command from executing can exit properly. Here are some of the methods you can try to fix this issue:
DBR corruption.Disk lock/encryption.Physical damage to the disk
Safe Mode/ Clean Boot
Before booting into safe mode, you can try a clean boot and then run the command. Clean boot disables any third-party interference. Here’s how you perform a clean boot:After you’ve performed a clean boot, try running the command again. You can backtrack the above steps to re-enable all the services and startup programs to disable clean boot. If clean booting doesn’t work, you can try running the command in Safe mode.Safe mode is a boot method that starts your PC with only the most basic programs and files. Running your PC in safe mode can help you rule out third-party program interferences. If the issue does not appear in safe mode, we can conclude that there’s no problem with the system itself. The same also applies to the CHKDSK utility. Follow these steps:
Run CHKDSK at Boot Time
You can use an extended CHKDSK command so that it executes on boot instead. This will prevent any interruptions since the disk won’t be in use while booting.
Run Hardware Diagnostics
This error may also occur if the hardware itself is damaged. Any computer system generally has a built-in diagnosis system that can check your hardware for errors. Here’s how you run hardware diagnostics on your windows system. This will start the diagnostic process. To check the results of the diagnostics, follow these steps:Some PCs can also run a hardware diagnostic from the UEFI or BIOS system. The diagnostic interface may differ depending on your PC’s manufacturer. You can boot into the UEFI from the advanced startup menu. Here’s how you run diagnostics from UFEI:
Disable Drive Lock
Bitlocker is a common in-built security tool that can protect your data from external attackers. It can encrypt your drive, which prevents people from accessing your data without authorization. Even your system cannot access it without a key. If you have encrypted your drive using BitLocker or any other encryption software, you will have to decrypt it first. Here are the steps to disable Bitlocker encryption:
Repair Volume
The repair volume is a command used in Windows Powershell to fix certain volumes. Here’s how you do it:
